The document describes the education and training system in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. [1] It outlines the various components of the regional education and training network, including over 500 schools, nearly 40,000 teachers, over 150,000 university students, and over 8,000 lecturers and researchers. [2] It also discusses the Polytechnic Network which aims to provide technical and scientific training opportunities through integration of schools, vocational training providers, universities, and enterprises. [3] Higher education, research, and international mobility programs are also outlined, including training vouchers, PhD courses, and research grants to build knowledge networks between businesses, education institutions, and the regional economy

1. Learning is growing

2. 556
schools
39,940
teachers
518,078
POLYTECHNIC
NETWORK
pupils
166 accredited training providers
3,000 employees
50,000
people in training each year
EDUCATION
AND VOCATIONAL
TRAINING
4
universities
150,000 university students
8,000
lecturers and researchers
383,549 enterprises
1,936,000
employees

3. HIGHER EDUCATION,
RESEARCH,
INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY
EMPLOYMENT
AND SKILLS
ER
The Education
and Research tree
The Education and Research project is like a big tree.
Its roots extend deep into a fertile soil, with a rich
education tradition and work culture.
Several paths and opportunities – which are provided
by education, training and employment policies to
people and enterprises – branch off from its trunk.
To grow today and to build a future of responsible
innovation and sustainable development.

4. by Patrizio Bianchi
Regional Minister of Education, Vocational
Education, University, Research and Labour
Emilia-Romagna Region Schools
Universities
and Research
“Small thoughts divide, great thoughts Institutes
unite” This is the guiding principle
.
that has driven the implementation
of the education and labour policy
reform in Emilia-Romagna. This reform
has enabled us to outline a “plan”
integrating stakeholders, opportunities
and pathways from Education to ability to integrate the “autonomous”
Research. This reform is known education, training and academic
as ER Emilia-Romagna, to identify system with the business system,
this Region with a clear political which, in our experience,
commitment: investing in education Towards has grown through
New and research to ensure its a new the enhancement and
Generation territory and its people the balance interconnection of the best
necessary competitiveness practices.
Vocational
Policies and a new training
to grow and the social idea of
cohesion that has always characterized A twofold objective is
providers
equality
the development of this region. This pursued: on the one hand,
choice is based on the belief that the to promote the integration between
future of this country lies in people’s education and training institutions and
skills. the labour market throughout the entire
The driving force of this process is the supply chain, to enhance and innovate
right to equal access to high quality vocational, technical and scientific skills
education and training opportunities of people and businesses; on the other
for all and widespread opportunities hand, to seek a new balance between
to acquire extensive professional labour demand and supply, by raising
and innovative skills enabling people requirements and potentials.
to undertake paths to unlock their The starting point is a new idea
potential, intelligence, creativity of equality. A dynamic and open
and talent and to grow in a European equality intended as access potential
dimension, through a benchmarking and transparency. Equality has
and dialogue with other practices. been described by the historian and
This process requires new generation essayist Aldo Schiavone as social and
policies, capable of reinterpreting ER - spatial mobility equality,
and reconciling society, economy and Education also applied to position,
institutions with a priority: investing and career, knowledge progress
in people. Research: and continuous skills
In this sense, a strong and shared from enhancement.
commitment has been undertaken by vocational
the Emilia-Romagna Region. It arises qualifications The ER design introduces
from an inter-institutional dialogue, to PhD a new vision of education,
it is measured according to the training and labour policies. The
progress made in the dialogue with Emilia-Romagna intends to pursue
social partners and it is based on the these goals, from education

5. Institutions
Social partners
ER is the synthesis. It is a system
in which training – understood as a
necessary and possible continuous
learning of knowledge and skills
in formal settings and in labour
organizations – supports people in
transition, interprets the choices
to research, i.e. from the first that are made without precluding
segment of training under regional later ones, offers prospects for
competence, within the framework of improvement for individuals and
the Education and Vocational Training organizations, through a network of
System, to the highest and most services and a well structured and
advanced education system. tight-knit relationship with businesses.
Enterprises Education, as dissemination of Sometimes dividing,
Educere:
acquired knowledge and research and Educate: separating, breaking down
as creation of new knowledge. The “going may seem the easiest
regional system of higher education beyond” way. However, we must
and research, education and vocational be wary of those who
training, higher education, career offer simplistic answers to complex
development opportunities aimed at problems and realities. Integrating
already employed people are part of the actions of training bodies,
this framework. Education as a means between themselves and with the
to build the future of young people labour market, according to a design
Focusing of this region for the based on the permeability of the
on objectives, acquisition of new different routes and on specialization
plurality skills and new jobs. and complementarity is the most
of actions, difficult way, but it is the only one
common The close relationship that can be pursued to guarantee
approaches between knowledge the result of that great act, which is
and evaluation and the labour market educating. The effort to “go beyond”
is the hub of to ensure people’s horizons, tools and
innovation. Innovation opportunities to make a step further
is the parameter to measure growth has been built to date.
and to play a leading role at the national This is the only true development
and European level. policy that can be promoted to
To achieve the expected results in this generate employment and new jobs
field, it is necessary to focus on the and to create a model of solidarity
goals that have been set, through a and of a society capable of reducing
variety of actions based on common cultural, economic and spatial
approaches and on evaluation activities, inequalities, promoting social mobility,
aimed at improving and shifting to the enhancing diversity and gender
right strategic choices. specificity.

6. EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL
TRAINING
More future
The Regional Education and Vocational Training System
(EaVT) provides students with a new training proposal that
allows them to achieve Vocational Qualifications in a three-
year-long course.
The new regional system (Regional Law No 5/2011) is
based on the cooperation of regional Vocational training
providers, which have received accreditation by the Regional
Authority, and national Vocational schools, which have
chosen subsidiarity to provide junior high school-leavers with
a differentiated educational offer, consistent with the needs
of the Regional economic-manufacturing system.
Any idea of education corresponds to an idea of society. This
is the reason why the regional EaVT system is an educational
and organizational offer that combines continuity with a
high rate of innovation, in compliance with a set of values:
ensuring equal opportunities and the right of everyone to
educational success and enhancing the relationship between
work, scientific and technological culture.
The basic assumption is a conception of learning and
knowledge as tools of personal freedom and a prerequisite
of good employability. The main reference of the system
is a model of a cohesive society and development aimed
at reducing cultural, economic and spatial inequalities and
promoting social mobility.
The first year of the course is intended to provide general
guidance. It allows students to strengthen their basic
skills, also through customized courses, and provides
each one of them with the necessary time to choose the
most appropriate training solution to achieve Vocational
Qualifications over the next two years.

7. Vocational training providers
Vocational
Vocational schools Qualifications
It is a twofold challenge. On the one hand, it is intended
to prevent and reduce school dropout, by creating flexible
career paths, which can re-motivate, strengthen and guide
youth, even through fragmented educational routes. On the
other hand, it enables this educational segment to play a
strategic role in the country’s economic growth.
At the end of the three-year-long course, with the achievement
of a vocational qualification – that fulfills the compulsory
education and training requirements – young people are ready
to enter the labour market. The choice to obtain a three-year-
long vocational qualification does not prevent young people
from further studying to attain higher levels of education.
The EaVT system makes it possible for them to rethink their
curriculum and to decide to complete their education up to
the attainment of a higher secondary education diploma. The
goal is to provide them with more opportunities and to allow
each student to gradually gain knowledge according to their
expectations and to build a conscious life and work design.
V
IV Forth year
III
Three-year
II courses
vocational
qualification
I
Secondary Higher Technical National
schools Institutes vocational schools EaVT

8. POLYTECHNIC NETWORK
Technology to grow
The production system and work organization are increasingly
more characterized by deep changes. Technological innovation,
market globalization and the changing demand for goods and
services expressed by society require it to invest continuously
in the production of new knowledge, dissemination of technical
and scientific expertise and acquisition of specialized skills at
different, but complementary, levels enabling people to be
integrated into a dynamic labour market and to retain their jobs,
thanks to their lifelong learning capabilities.
In order to meet this need, the Emilia-Romagna Region has
strengthened and extended its higher education system, by linking it
to the new Regional Polytechnic network.
The aim of the Polytechnic Network is to provide training and
learning opportunities based on the enhancement of vocational,
technical, scientific and technological culture. It is characterized
by the integration of different education providers - school system, Higher Technical Institutes (ITS/HTI)
in Emilia-Romagna
vocational training providers accredited by the regional authority,
universities, research centers - and enterprises, all committed to Bologna
ITS for new technologies
working together on the basis of their experience, expertise and for the Made in Italy system
Mechanical- industrial automation system
excellence in the design and implementation of activities.
Ferrara
The offer of the Polytechnic Network - designed by the ITS for innovative technologies,
Emilia-Romagna Region and financed through the European cultural assets and activities
System for living
Social Fund Community, national and regional resources - Forlì-Cesena (Cesena)
consists of three types of courses. ITS Information and Communication
Technologies
Modena
Courses organized by Higher Technical Institutes (HTI) ITS for new technologies
for the Made in Italy system
HTI are Foundations made up of technical and vocational schools, Mechanical and materials System
vocational training providers accredited by the Regional Authority, Parma (S. Secondo Parmense)
universities, research centers, local authorities and enterprises. ITS for new technologies for the Made in
Italy system - Agri-Food system
They are new technology schools that organize two-year courses Piacenza
to train senior technicians who can be integrated into the strategic ITS for sustainable mobility
Logistics and mobility of people and goods
sectors of the economic manufacturing system, providing companies
Ravenna
with highly specialized skills and innovative capacities. Courses are ITS for energy efficiency
alternative to university, although closely connected to it, provide Energy and environment
Reggio Emilia
for mandatory work experiences, both in Italy and abroad, and a ITS for new technologies
significant number of teachers coming from the business world. for the Made in Italy system
Mechatronics Mechanical System
Rimini
ITS for innovative technologies
for cultural assets and activities
Tourism and Wellness

9. higher
technical
Vocational training HTI degree
Schools providers 1800/2000 hrs
Universities and
HTET
800/1000 hrs
Research Institutes Enterprises
Higher
Technical higher technical
Institutes specialization
skills’ 300/500 hrs
certification
Vocational
Qualification
Higher Technical Education and Training Paths (HTET)
HTET are designed and made up of a higher secondary
education institute, a vocational training provider accredited by
the Regional Authority, a university and one or more companies.
They train highly specialized technicians capable of managing
and supervising corporate organizational and manufacturing
processes, also connected to technological innovations and
market internationalization.
They are addressed to young people and adults who intend to
be integrated or re-integrated into the labour market through the
acquisition and enhancement of new skills.
Higher Education Paths (HE)
HE are designed by vocational training providers accredited by
the Emilia-Romagna Regional Authority in close liaison with
enterprises. They are an opportunity for the acquisition of
specific and targeted training for employed and unemployed
youth and adults, who wish to enter the labour market or to
attain further qualifications to effectively perform occupational
roles as engineers and project managers in the production and
business management areas.
They are addressed to employed or unemployed youth and
adults, with a higher secondary education diploma.
Polytechinic
Universities HTI HTET HE
network
V
IV Forth year
III
Three-year
courses
II vocational
qualification
I
Secondary Higher Technical National
schools Institutes vocational schools EaVT

10. HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH,
INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY
Knowledge Networks
The third segment of the regional ER design includes measures
to build shared knowledge networks between businesses,
local government and research institutions. It offers the most
experimental and innovative opportunities and actions in the
research and human capital areas that play a key role for the
growth of competitive, open, global production systems, which
are a necessary condition to return to grow at a pace consistent
with international markets.
Training vouchers for higher education
Training vouchers are grants funded by the Regional Authority to
allow access to employed and unemployed people to university
masters, advanced training courses and specialization courses,
which are previously validated and collected in special catalogs.
The aim is to promote access to lifelong learning with a view
to providing people with continuous training and retraining
opportunities.
Ph.D. courses
To support the regional research system and to develop
human resources, the Regional Authority funds scholarships
on strategic issues for enterprises and for the regional
economic system. The goal is to train highly qualified profiles
necessary to foster regional competitiveness and strengthen
networks between institutions, universities and the economic
manufacturing system, and thereby strengthening all links in the
innovation chain, to meet the challenges facing our society.
Research grants and scholarships
ER provides research grants, financial incentives, customized
mentoring and support services, advanced training through the
Spinner 2013 Program.

11. Vocational training
providers Research
grants
Universities and Training
Research Institutes Enterprises vouchers
PhD oriented
Apprenticeship
Actions are aimed at supporting:
• Innovative business and / or knowledge-intensive ideas
Paths to support the creation of new knowledge-based
enterprises.
• Industrial research, experimental development,
technology transfer
The projects and measures to facilitate and enhance the
transfer of skills and technologies between the places where
they are generated and studied and the places where they
are evaluated in terms of economic and social development.
• Organizational, managerial and financial innovation
Interventions for the transfer of new organizational models
with priority to some specific areas, such as creativity,
design, welfare, social enterprises and cooperatives.
Research grant
Scholarship for PhD
Higher education
training vouchers
Higher education,
research and
international mobility
Polytechinic
Universities HTI HTET HE
network
V
IV Forth year
III
Three-year
courses
II vocational
qualification
I
Secondary Higher Technical National
schools Institutes vocational schools EaVT

12. EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS
New Skills for new jobs
All the opportunities provided by the ER design target the
hiring and retention of qualified people in the labour market
and the identification, creation and transfer of new skills for
new jobs. The fourth branch of ER, which completes the
regional design, includes different active policy opportunities:
ranging from the provision of training opportunities to already
employed people, also on the basis of mixed contracts,
to paths available for the upgrading of workers’ skills and for
organizational and manufacturing innovation of businesses,
job placement experiences and traineeship courses.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is one of the most favorable opportunities
for young people who wish to enter the world of work.
It is an educational content-based contract (defined as
a mixed contract) whereby the company commits itself
to provide the apprentice with a training program,
designed and financed by the Regional Authority,
within the framework of the employment relationship.
There are three Apprenticeship types:
• Apprenticeship as a right/duty to education and training
It is aimed at young people and teenagers, aged between 16
and 18 years, and it is one of the formulas set forth by law to
implement the right/duty to education and training.
• Employment-oriented apprenticeship
It is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 29 years.
It allows them to achieve a vocational qualification through
on-the-job training and technical and vocational learning.
• Higher Education and PhD oriented Apprenticeship
It is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 29 years.
It allows them to work in a company and to achieve a
masters’ degree or a PhD.

13. Vocational training
providers
Traineeship
Universities and
Research Institutes Enterprises
Apprenticeship
Continuous
education
Traineeships
Traineeships are intended to support the inclusion of young
people in goods and services’ companies to allow them to
achieve practical experience and test the validity of the skills
acquired in previous training courses, including university.
They are not employment contracts. Yet, they are an effective
tool to facilitate and speed up the integration of young people
into the labour market, to acquire new skills and abilities and to
establish contacts and relationships.
Continuous education and lifelong learning
Training courses are carried out in the Region thanks to EU,
national and regional funds, to meet the different needs of all
workers and enterprises based in the region: namely to promote
innovation and enhance excellence by supporting, at the same
time, the increase of the skills of workers and the retention of
temporary and at risk of exclusion from the labour market ones.
Research grant
Traineeship
Scholarship for PhD
Ph.D. in High
Apprenticeship
Higher education
training vouchers Continuous education and lifelong learning
Traineeship
Higher education,
research and High Apprenticeship
international mobility
Labour market
Polytechinic Professionalizing
Universities HTI HTET HE
network apprenticeship
Traineeship
V
IV Forth year
Apprenticeship
III as right and duty
Three-year
courses
II vocational
qualification Traineeship
I
Secondary Higher Technical National EaVT
schools Institutes vocational schools

14. Services and activities
for the quality of work
Regional policies for education supporting their process of economic Employment Incentives
training and employment - in order growth and innovation. Employment Incentives are
to meet the complexity of the labour It supplements the various training provided to help disadvantaged
market and the challenges which the opportunities with a series of people to find a job.
economic and productive system actions aimed at fostering quality
is called to confront with - require of employment and fighting Targeted job placement
transparency and a strong new discrimination. Targeted job placement services
capability to communicate with the promote the specific inclusion of
beneficiaries of policies and with all Employment Centres job-seekers with disabilities into the
the players of the system. The Employment Centres network links labour market.
For this, ER is based on a network together 59 desks located throughout
of services - in part also online, of the regional territory, offering their Day nursery grants
information, guidance, advisory, services to citizens and enterprises. Day nursery grants are provided to
intersection of labour supply and families to facilitate the access of
demand - aimed at supporting people Spinner Points young children to nursery schools
during their periods of transition 10 Spinner Points - active at and to support family work balance.
(between training and work and universities and regional research It is an effective way to combat
between one job to another one) centres - serve as reference points discrimination especially against
and at simplifying administrative for students wishing to initiate highly working mothers.
requirements for enterprises and innovative and entrepreneurial projects
and careers.

15. Patrizio Bianchi, has been
appointed Regional Minister of
Education, Vocational Education,
University and Research,
Labour of the Emilia-Romagna
Region since May 10, 2010.
He graduated from the
University of Bologna, Faculty of
Political Sciences, specializing in
Politics and Economics.
He is professor of Applied
Economics. From 2004 to
2010 he was the Rector of the
University of Ferrara. He had
formerly served as Dean of
Faculty of Economics at the
University of Ferrara. He is an
industrial economics expert.
He was Head of the Industrial
Policy Laboratory of Nomisma,
For any further information, please contact: a member of the board of
Emilia-Romagna Region directors of IRI and president
Ministry for Education, Vocational Education, of Sviluppo Italia. He has been
University and Research, Labour a member of the Commission
for labour policies and
Viale Aldo Moro 38 manufacturing sectors at the
40127 Bologna (Italy) National Council of Economy
and Labour. He is an Economic
phone: +39 051 5274081 Advisor to the Governor of
fax: +39 051 5273578 Guangdong Province of China.
He is honorary professor at
lavoroform@regione.emilia-romagna.it the South China University of
www.emiliaromagnasapere.it Technology in Canton. He is
www.emiliaromagnalavoro.it the author of several books
and publications in international
scientific journals.

16. tracce.com